Crane driver dies after crashing into power lines, California firefighters say

A crane driver died after his vehicle became tangled in power lines following a crash in Malibu, California firefighters told news outlets.

The crane apparently hit a power pole after losing control near the Pacific Coast Highway about 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, Los Angeles County firefighters told KCBS.

The crane fell on its side, trapping the driver, KTTV reported.

The live power lines entangling the vehicle blocked firefighters from rescuing the driver, as did a small brush fire ignited by the lines, KTLA reported.

The driver died before utility crews de-powered the lines, allowing firefighters to approach, KCBS reported.

The driver’s cause of death remains pending, KTLA reported. His identity was not released.

Malibu is a city of 10,500 people about 35 miles west of Los Angeles.

This story was originally published April 6, 2023 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Crane driver dies after crashing into power lines, California firefighters say."